Paper leak Bill not enough

Apropos of the editorial ‘Curbing cheating’; malpractices like paper leaks and cheating often lead to the cancellation or postponement of examinations. This adversely affects the prospects of aspirants, many of whom belong to the middle class and crave the security of a government job. The passage of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill by the Lok Sabha is welcome as the law would act as a deterrent. However, there is a need to frame broader legislation and find a long-term solution to curb the use of unfair means in recruitment exams. Such a law is also significant in these times because the preference for government jobs in India has not waned, especially since Covid-induced disruptions raised fresh job security concerns.

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Mona Singh, by mail

Tweak paper format

With reference to ‘Curbing cheating’; the Bill meant to deal with those involved in the use of unfair means in recruitment exams is a step in the right direction. Making such offences cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable is the need of the hour. The hardworking and meritorious candidates must not suffer because of people who resort to such malpractices. As far as organised paper leaks go, there is a need to make sure that those obligated to handle exams are not hand in glove with cheating gangs. Further, it is high time that the format of competitive exams be tweaked. Having subjective questions will allow candidates to come up with their own answers. It will reduce the scope for cheating.

KR Bharti, Shimla

Hold a fresh poll

With reference to the editorial ‘Prosecute poll officer’; the conduct of the presiding officer during the Chandigarh mayoral elections is very shocking. By declaring eight INDIA votes invalid to ensure a victory for the BJP candidate, he has compromised the sanctity of the democratic process. The CJI DY Chandrachud-led Bench of the Supreme Court is right in terming the alleged defacing of ballot papers ‘murder of democracy’ and stating that he should be prosecuted. A fresh poll needs to be conducted with adequate safeguards in place to prevent rigging.

Ramesh Gupta, Narwana

Rot runs deep

The irregularities in the mayoral elections, labelled by a Bench led by the Chief Justice of India as ‘murder of democracy’, underline a deeper malaise within the system. Without the crucial video evidence exposing the alleged defacing of ballot papers, the extent of this disease within the system would have remained hidden. This incident is just one manifestation of a broader issue. Such cases only erode public trust in democracy further. The delay in judicial intervention underscores the urgency of the matter. While the apex court has come down heavily on those behind the alleged tampering of ballots, it is not enough. The apex court must invoke Article 142 to use the broad powers conferred on it and ensure swift justice in the case.

N Ashraf, Mumbai

SC right to promote family values

The SC recently turned down the petition of a 44-year-old single woman for surrogacy, despite her willingness and apparent capability to raise a child. The apex court also stressed the importance of the institution of marriage and the need to shun the model of Western countries, where children are born outside of marriage. By prioritising the stability and structure provided by two married parents, the SC has acknowledged the importance of a nurturing family environment for a child’s holistic development. Upholding traditional family values helps maintain societal cohesion and stability.

Mahi Khandelwal, Ujjain

Ensure safety of workers

With reference to the report ‘11 dead, 174 hurt in MP factory fire’; the massive blast and the subsequent blaze at the firecracker factory in Harda that claimed around a dozen lives are a wake-up call for authorities. So often, the safety of the workers employed at such units is not taken into account. There are no arrangements or preparations for such emergency situations or mishaps. Further, given the fact that the use of firecrackers causes pollution, the government should shut down all illegal firecracker factories.

Ibne Farooq, Ausanpur

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